Dealers are now facing more competition from collectors as works estimated in the hundreds of pounds range are taken to four-figure prices

Among a number of works at the latest Old Master, British and European Art sale at Sworders (25% buyer’s premium) sparking keen interest were a couple of contrasting paintings selling well above predictions.

One of the most talked about pictures sold at auction recently was a portrait by an almost unheard of artist that emerged in Surrey.

Works by Keith Vaughan (1912-77) from the collection of the man who played a crucial role in preserving and promoting his legacy come for sale.

Two works bringing demand at different auctions recently showed the market’s continued appetite for works by Modern British female artists.

A couple of works by leading names in the Modern British art market helped Dreweatts (26/25/20/12.5% buyer’s premium) post a total of over £1m (including premium) at its early spring Modern and Contemporary Art auction.

On Saturday 17 April, 1982, the artist Jonathan Warrender (b.1954) found himself in the back of a Bentley whirling through country lanes towards Chequers.

Recent results for the Bloomsbury Group artist show how his prolific output creates a wide price range

A drawing by Sheila Fell (1931-79) offered in Cockermouth showed how strong demand can emerge even for a simple sketch.

A small but eyecatching self-portrait by Denton Welch (1915-48) equalled the auction record for the artist.

Despite being a copy by a little-known Norfolk painter, ‘authentic’ portrait makes remarkable price

Bonhams’ (27.5/26/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) latest Marine sale was led by an elegant depiction of a famous naval battle between British and French ships that took place towards the end of the American War of Independence.

Judging by the overall totals, the latest Modern and Contemporary art auctions at Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips in New York were something of a bump back to reality after the last two sales series posted the highest grossing totals on record.

A group of 25 works by Egyptian artists drew notable interest at the inaugural sale of Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern art at Olympia Auctions.

High-value Post-war and Contemporary art is increasingly on offer beyond Mayfair and the centre of the capital

French artist Nancy Delouis (b.1941) was born into an artistic family.

Two separately consigned Modern Indian paintings were among the notable performers at Chiswick Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in the early spring, one fetching an expected price but the other making a sum that was more of a surprise.

This untitled work from c.1945 by Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) comprises a mahogany relief applied with oil paint. It was offered at Mallams (25% buyer’s premium) of Oxford on May 17-18 as part of its Modern Art & Design sale.

The artist Júlio Pomar (1926- 2018) is considered one of the most important modern Portuguese painters.